Ghent - City of Rebels

Belgium witll always have a very special place in my heart, as I spent 8 years there as a teenager. 

I would love to share a few interesting facts about the beautiful city of Ghent.  Historian believe that the name Ghent is actually from the Celtic word ganda, which means confluence. 

Although archaeological discoveries date human presence in this region back to the Stone Age,  the city of Ghent began as a setttlement during the Middle Ages at the confluence of the Scheldt and Leie Rivers.   In the 11th century Ghent was the second biggest city in Northern Europe after Paris, with its growth driven by its leadership in cloth production and trading.  

Ghent is known for it's medieval architecture, which has remained extremely well preserved.  Ghent city center is Belgium’s largest carfree area.  The quaint, cobblestoned streets of Ghent is the home to a multitude of superb restaurants and cafees, and did I mention over 500 kinds of beer.  No wonder the streets are normally lively with people walking, biking or taking the tram.  

Speaking of restaurants, did you know that Ghent supposedly have more vegetarian restaurants per capita than any other city in the world, in fact, they even promote a meat-free day every Thursday caled Donderdag Veggiedag.

A "must-see" when visiting Ghent is ofcourse the impressive medieval Gravensteen Castle, which dates back to 1180, and is located in the middle of Ghent.  No army has ever managed to conquer the medieval castle of Gravensteen, however on November 16, 1949 it was taken over by a group of students rebelling against the price increase of beer. 

As a fun-fact for Ghent, if you enjoy a glass of beer, be sure to visit De Dulle Griet where you can famously exchange a shoe as insurance for a Max beer poured in a bootshaped glass. 

If you would like to visit Ghent please contact me at [email protected] or 703-927-0588.

#love2travel #perfectlyplannedjourneys, #VisitGhent #VisitBelgium